The iconic O'Brien's Tower was first built in 1835
O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare has officially reopened after restoration commenced on the iconic site earlier this year.
Read More: Iconic Cliffs of Moher tower to undergo restoration
Located on a headland overlooking the Cliffs of Moher, O’Brien’s Tower was first built in 1835 by local landowner and Member of Parliament Cornelius O’Brien who believed that tourism development would greatly benefit the local economy.
Since then, millions of people from all around the world have visited O’Brien’s Tower, whose viewing platform is located near the highest point of the 214-meter high cliffs and provides views of Clare, the Kerry Mountains, Galway Bay, and the Aran Islands.
Earlier this year, the aging O'Brien's Tower was treated to an update that included the removal and replacement of the existing stair enclosure, staircases, and windows, the application of a lime wet dash externally, as well as the repair of the internal face of the stone fabric of the tower.
Mid West Lime Ltd. was contracted by Clare County Council, who owns the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, to complete the renovation.
O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher (Getty Images)
Read More: What to expect on a Cliffs of Moher tour
Cathal Crowe, the Mayor of Clare, said: “The completion of these restoration works ensures safe and secure access for the public to this strategic viewing location while at the same time preserving one of the most historic and well-known buildings in Clare.”
Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, said, "O’Brien’s Tower is a vital part of our local heritage and this restoration work ensures the conservation of this protected structure which forms part of the draw for visitors from all over the world to the Cliffs of Moher.”
Enright added: “The tower was suffering from water ingress as a consequence of its very exposed location. Due to concern for the long term damage and also visitor safety, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience carried out repairs and interventions. We applied a lime render to the exterior in an effort to stop water penetrating through the wall. The tower was most likely rendered when it was built almost two centuries ago."
Leonard Cleary, Director of Rural Development, Clare County Council; Bobby Kerr, Chair of Cliffs of Moher Ltd.; and Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. Photograph by Eamon Ward
Read More: Is this perhaps the most perfect picture of Ireland ever taken?
O’Brien’s Tower is to become an experiential feature of a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, allowing visitors to step back in time to 1835 where guides bring to life the local history and story of Cornelius O’Brien.
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is one of three “Signature Discovery Points” in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way, the others being the Bridges of Ross and Loop Head Lighthouse. The Cliffs are also a key component of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher (Getty Images)
Did you know that IrishCentral has a sister travel company called Irish Studio Travel who can help you vacation in Ireland no matter your budget? With Irish Studio Travel, you can now book your entire vacation with us, which means we do all the hard work.
Are you hoping or planning to travel to Ireland this year? Join with other travelers, adventurers and lovers of Ireland in our dedicated travel group, where you can find top tips, great recommendations, and air out any of your concerns and questions.
Have you visited the Cliffs of Moher before? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
Comments